1. I just got hurt at work and my employer told me that I have to go
to their doctor. Can’t I choose my own doctor?
Yes. Regardless of what you may be told by your
employer about company policy or by the insurance company, you have
the right to choose what emergency room you want to go to and also to
make the initial choice of whom you want as your doctor (emergency
room visits don’t count as a first choice).
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2. Can I switch doctors?
After making your initial choice of a doctor, you also
have the right to be referred to a doctor of your choice who is a
specialist for your type of injury. If you later want to switch to a
new doctor, you have to either select a doctor on a list provided by
the insurance company (called a Preferred Provider Network) or get
permission from the insurance company to see a doctor that is not on
the list.
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3. What can I do if the insurance company doesn’t authorize medical
treatment that my doctor prescribed?
If the insurance company fails to authorize treatment
that is recommended by your doctor (such as physical therapy, testing,
surgery, etc), you have the right to petition the Workers’
Compensation Court for approval of treatment.
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4. Am I required to have surgery if it’s recommended by my doctor?
No. You have the right to refuse any invasive medical
treatment (treatment that breaks the skin). Your benefits cannot
be stopped for refusing this type of treatment. However, you may be
found to be at maximum medical improvement if you choose not to have
surgery and there is no other treatment that will improve your
condition.
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5. I’m having a hard time dealing with my injury and being out of
work. Am I allowed to go to a mental health therapist?
Yes. Injured workers frequently suffer from more than
the physical aspects of an injury. It is not uncommon to suffer mental
distress when struggling to adjust to disability and loss of income.
Workers’ compensation covers the cost of mental health care for
emotional problems that develop as a result of being injured and out
of work.
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